fullstrut

LOL, well, my roommate did the same thing. Finished college, took a job with Baker Hughes as a wireline engineer, now both of us are back in Madison. He's with Ergon, I'm offshore. I happen two know two other's that did it as well, all from the same H.S. graduating class at Madison Central. So, the probability may be a little higher than you anticipated.

Margaritas, on the corner of County Line and Pear Orchard

Ladner Black Mouth Cur, used as a tracking dog

In my opinion festoon, then Bosch, then everyone else when it comes to jigsaws.

The Country Squire, in Jackson, Ms, has some really good blends. I’m partial to the Rivendell and Second Breakfast.

Really sad. I knew Parys in high school, we won several state championships in powerlifting, visited a few times after when he came back to town, he was a really good guy. He never let it go to his head.

My recommendation would be to look for used tools. Keep an eye out for an old Rockwell/delta tablesaw with an accufence. As far as routers go, I like Bosch or porter cable and get a fixed and plunge base, then build a versatile router table. 2-2.25 hp routers are really a good starting point. Invest time in building good jigs. If budget isn’t a hindrance, festool makes great equipment (routers, plunge/track saw, domino, etc.....).
As far as planers and jointers, look used. I have a 16” jointer, but starting out, I’d go with an 8” with a long bed. But definitely look for used, there are a lot of auctions out there.
Things I would recommend to start out with would be a tablesaw, router combo (plunge and fixed), jigsaw (Bosch or festool), miter saw (dewalt or Bosch), and lots of time building jigs to maximize the use of a few tools (tablesaw sled, router table, etc....). Also good sanders, I’m really partial to Bosch 6” or festool 6” ROS. Clamps, clamps, clamps. Plenty of f style and parallel or bar clamps.

What kind of look are you going for? Is this antique cypress or new cypress? I wouldn't sand with anything coarser than 120, to start with, and I also wouldn't go any higher than 150/180 on cypress. Cypress doesn't stain well, so be prepared for that, you can use a wood conditioner (50/50 denatured alcohol/shellac) then lightly sand prior to applying stain.

What you refinish with needs to depend on it's use.

Acadian Hardwoods, out of Little Rock, delivers there. That's typically where I get my wood, I'm in central MS. Do not try to get anything out of the Ponchatoula location though.

4 coats of Waterlox, on that much surface area is no small investment, compared to other products. What made you go with WL, vs hardwax or another polyvarnish?

This was pretty well worked out when both rationalism and strict empiricism ended in solipsism. What is your starting point from which your epistemology is based? Cogito? Tabula Rasa? Can you affirm that the world has ever existed beyond an impression of the world that you perceive?